Rare would be the day when Manchester United's strike force will be as accomplished as it currently is due to the presence of World Cup finalist and £59.7 million recruit Angel di Maria from Real Madrid, the loan signing of coveted Colombian attacker Radamel Falcao, Netherlands striking stalwart Robin van Persie and England captain Wayne Rooney.

However, defensively the club are a shambles.

United have already lost twice and conceded eight goals from just five Premier League appearances, resulting in a current 12th place ranking.

The club's problems are now so world-renowned, the foreign press are weighing-in on Louis van Gaal's dilemma, with German publication Sport-BILD listing six possible candidates the former Bayern Munich boss could consider ahead of the re-opening of the transfer market in January.

BILD note that there is "strong competition" for places in the heart of PSGs defence due to the presence of £50 million purchase David Luiz and defensive phenom Thiago Silva: "United would probably have to dig deep into their pockets to buy the 20-year-old in winter."

Another precociously-talented defender, Laporte could be available for €27 million. Thus far, the Frenchman has completed one block, 13 clearances 14 tackles and 15 interceptions from just three La Liga appearances thus far this season. Incredibly, he also averages 67 passes per match and has an 88% completion rate. Barcelona, though, are also interested…

What may deter buying clubs from Musacchio, BILD claim, is the Villarreal star's average physical statistics as he is 6-foot tall. The 24-year-old has completed 19 clearances in three La Liga games thus far this season.

Louis van Gaal is apparently keen on Schar, BILD imply, with his "intelligent and elegant style of play" likely to have impressed the Dutchman. Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund are also all tracking the Swiss.